Fabrication, Property and Function of the Nanostructured Surface Barrier for Hydrogen Storage

这项研究的目的是在金属表面上以大规模的方式制造纳米结构材料，从而产生适用于储氢基础设施的独特性能，这将最大限度地减少氢损失和脆化。我们的目标是从清洁能源未来的令人信服的愿景中实现氢经济。研究方法是发展一种自顶向下的表面纳米化技术，在金属内衬上制备纳米结构表面层。纳米结构，微观结构的演变和表面完整性之间的基本关系的特点。将开发多尺度有限元模拟模型，以揭示微观结构演变和表面完整性的机制。最后，纳米结构表面势垒对氢损失和脆化的影响将使用耦合的实验和机理的方法进行评估。如果成功的话，这项研究将创建一个新的知识库，大规模生产纳米结构材料，以满足生产需求。其广泛的影响包括一种高效且具有成本效益的表面纳米晶化工艺，用于制造汽车、航空航天、运输、机械和工具行业的储氢基础设施和各种金属部件。这项研究的发现将提高美国氢经济的竞争力，以加强国家能源安全和减少空气污染。这项研究将为纳米制造和氢经济提供教育材料，加强研究和教育基础设施，促进学术界教育工作者与劳伦斯利弗莫尔国家实验室和氢罐行业研究人员之间的合作和技术转让。此外，这项研究将促进外展活动，包括与谢尔顿州立大学和斯蒂尔曼社区学院在亚拉巴马的伙伴关系，涉及在科学和工程的代表性不足的群体。

The objective of this research is to fabricate nanostructured materials in a massive way on metallic surfaces resulting in unique performance applicable to hydrogen storage infrastructure which will minimize hydrogen loss and embrittlement. The goal is to realize the hydrogen economy from a compelling vision of a clean energy future. The research approach is to develop a top-down surface nanocrystallization technique to fabricate the nanostructured surface layer on metallic liners. The basic relationships between nanostructures, microstructural evolution, and surface integrity will be characterized. A multiscale finite element simulation model will be developed to reveal mechanisms of microstructural evolution and surface integrity. Finally, the effects of nanostructured surface barriers on hydrogen loss and embrittlement will be evaluated using the coupled experimental and mechanistic approaches.If successful, this research will create a new knowledge base of massive production of nanostructured materials to meet production needs. The broad impact includes an efficient and cost-effective surface nanocrystallizing process for manufacturing hydrogen storage infrastructure and various metallic components for automotive, aerospace, transportation, machinery, and tooling industries. The discoveries from this research would boost competitiveness of the U.S. hydrogen economy for strengthening national energy security and reducing air pollution. This research will provide educational materials for nanomanufacturing and hydrogen economy, enhance research and education infrastructure, and promote collaboration and technology transfer between educators in academia and researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Lab and hydrogen tank industry. In addition, this research will foster outreach activities including the partnership with Shelton State University and Stillman Community College in Alabama to involve underrepresented groups in science and engineering.